Wedding Party
Joan Larissa Banaga Pasion
Bride
For those who may not know me, my name is Joan Pasion, a proud Filipina American from Sacramento and deeply rooted in my Catholic faith. I’m profoundly grateful to God, my family, and friends, whose love and support have shaped who I am today. As a Cancer, I feel most connected to the moon and ocean—symbols of intuition, emotion, and renewal. They remind me to honor my boundaries, embrace what uplifts me, and navigate life’s changes with grace. Though introverted at heart, I thrive in authentic spaces where I can observe deeply, care wholeheartedly, and, like the crab, protect myself and those I love. Following my intuition led me to a career in dance—my greatest joy and calling. My path hasn’t been the “typical Filipina story,” and though I’ve faced challenges, I’ve always believed fulfillment matters more than anything material. I’ve long felt called to teach and serve others through the transformative power of the arts. Today, I’m blessed to serve as an Outreach Teaching Artist, working with students across many school districts, while performing and choreographing with TwoPoint4 Dance Theatre, Sacramento Ballet, NorCal School of the Arts, Precision Dance Center, and Clara Studios. Above all, I thank God—for life, loved ones, and the gift of dance that lets me inspire others while bringing joy to my own heart. Most of all, I’m grateful for Samouth Mao, my greatest supporter through every high and low—my constant, my rock, and a reminder that no one achieves anything alone.
Samouth Mao
Groom
For those who don’t know me, I’m Samouth Mao—a proud Cambodian American from Oakland. As the youngest of three, I like to think I’m the funniest—and perhaps even the most handsome of my siblings. I’m a burrito connoisseur, coffee enthusiast, and lover of nature. True to my Scorpio spirit, I strive to be determined, honest, and brave—and above all, fiercely loyal and protective of those I love. Growing up in both Oakland and Stockton, I learned early on that life isn’t always what we imagine—it’s what we grow through. During high school, I lived with my eldest brother, Chanrith, his wife, Neang, and their newborns, Mason and Haylie. That chapter taught me patience, responsibility, and how to care deeply for others. From my brother, I also learned the meaning of courage and protection—the instinct to safeguard loved ones in any circumstance, whether through playful sparring or lessons in resilience. These experiences have shaped the man I am today and laid the foundation for my greatest calling: to stand beside my fiancée, Joan Pasion, with the same love and loyalty that were shown to me. Through our relationship, Joan has brought me closer to God and strengthened my faith, inspiring me to pursue the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. I am deeply grateful to God for blessing me with my family, my friends, and Joan—each of whom has guided me toward becoming the person I am today.
Isabel Pasion
Maid of Honor
Hi y’all!! My name is Izzy, pronouns she/they/siya, and as some of you know, I’m Joan’s older sister!! 👯♀️ This is my fourth time being bridesmaid and 2nd time being moh. I think some big strengths of mine are finding the silver lining in stressful situations, providing the hype you need, carrying heavy shit that Joan asks me to, and holding your hair back when you don’t feel too good 🤪 I’m looking forward to balling my eyes out when my lil sis gets married. Thank you all for being here for her!!! Let’s get this girl married!!! 🚨💍👰🏽♀️✨
Chanrith Mouv
Best Man
Hi I'm Chan like Jackie Chan. I'm Sam's big brother, we call him Boy in our family. Born and raised in Oakland, lifelong Raiders fan.
Maia Torneros
Maid of Honor
Hey yall I’m Maia (she/her), and I'm one of Joan’s moh’s! I’ve known Joan since we were in kindergarten, and we used to carpool at SCB, and both went to the same high school. Joan and I have lots of memories together, but one of my core memories with Joan is when my mom would pick us up from St. Francis and take us to get boba. We really loved boba back then lol. I’m really excited to witness this day for Joan and Sam. I still remember hearing about him when we were younger, and it's been beautiful to see them grow. I’ve also had the privilege of seeing Joan and Sam date from the beginning, and it’s been beautiful to see how much their relationship has evolved and grown since we were teenagers. One fun fact about me is that I have “run” a half-marathon. More like survived, but I still got my medal at the end :) Overall, excited to see yall and help make this a memorable day for them!
Tan Tran
Best Man
Hellllooo friends, My name is Tan, like the color yes. I have known Sam for many years, dating back to middle schools where we first laid eyes on each other and couldn’t let go. I’ve been a groomsman before, but this is my first time being a best man. Super excited to how we can put a spin to this. My strengths, I feel that I’m a pretty solid hype man. A few shots of henny can make a hennything possible! Looking forward to seeing both of you kiss on the stage, and hearing your vows that you’ve created for each other. And taking a trip back to memory lane.
Sraineang Hang
Bridesmaid
Hi all I'm Neang, I'm Sam's sister in law, I've been in his life since he was 7. Not my first time in a bridal party (also had a wedding) so my strength will be experience. Looking forward to just having fun. Happy to be here.
Samnim Nang
Groomsman
Step bro of Sam
Vanda Mouv
Bridesmaid
Wassup yall! I am the older sis of Sam, so happy to be here!
Jimmy Heng
Groomsman
What’s up yall, Jimmy here I’ve known old boy since we were in diapers and grew up as best friends😂. Even though we grown apart over the years. I’m honored to be part of his groomsmen. Watches each other grew up and went everywhere together lol This is my first time being a groomsmen so there’s a lot to learn on my end. Been to a lot of weddings but I’m usually the drunk one on the dance floor. I currently reside in San Jose so it’s quite the commute for me but I will try my hardest to make it out to any practices. My favorite memory with Sam… dang I remember going over to your house every summer and just never leaving. Be there months at a time and your family taking care of me, all we did was run around doing such random things as kids. Like how did we end up in your neighbors basement ? Or running across the street to the gas station when we weren't allowed. I’m looking to get to know everyone else in the party and see these 2 love birds get married!!
Andrea Pasion
Bridesmaid
Hey everyone :) I’m Drea! My pronouns are she/her. I’m Joan’s cousin and this is my first time being a bridesmaid! I'm pretty organized, resourceful, and I’ll be your hype man 😂. I've known Joan since we were in diapers, so it’s exciting to see her in this chapter of life, and I’m glad we’re here to celebrate her ❤️
Marquise Wilcox
Groomsman
Hellurrr, It’s Marquise here :) So I’ve been Sam’s friend for a while now, we met through working at Pizaa Guys together lol. Just been here ever since, both of them are a second family to me honestly. I love Sam to death, but Joan know she the home skittled biscuit hehe 🤞🏽 Never honestly been a groomsman ever. It’s actually my first time for you guys, and another friend of mine’s within the same year of the weddings surprisingly. I went to my parents’ wedding when I was in the 6th grade, but it’s not like I knew what the hell I was doing lol… For my strengths, idk 😅 For those who know me in here, I’m a creative at heart. Currently making a manga, so that’s all I know I’m good at right now 🥴 but I love to be of help in any way that I can. I’ll always do my best to bring the vibes and spread love and support all across the board. So that’s what I can at least offer for now. 🫶🏽 I just can’t wait to experience it all haha, the whole journey is really what makes it special in my eyes. Wouldn’t say one moment would be something I’m looking forward most to. For me, I think every time we laugh and smile together and be there for one another, that accumulates into something more than one mere moment ever could ✨ Let’s make some good memories together, and congrats to the to-be newly weds 😌
Viviane Villanueva
Bridesmaid
hi everyone, please call me viv! pronouns she/her. Joan and I first met in kindergarten at SCB, and we stayed close through our involvement in our youth group, REC, which carried our friendship through high school, college, and into adulthood. From countless movie and game nights to heart-to-hearts over boba, she has been a constant in my life. I am truly honored to stand alongside her as she celebrates this wonderful milestone. Looking forward to getting to know you all more and making our girl feel loved and supported leading up to the big day!
Anthony Lavilla
Groomsman
Anthony Lavilla Groomsman Known Joan since kindergarten Fav memory was her 18 birthday luau party she got cupcaked by all the St Charles girls Fun Fact I like to go on adventures :)
Dawn Nguyen
Bridesmaid
Hi everyone! My name is Dawn and my pronouns are she/her. I have been friends with Joan since high school but have known of her since her St. Charles days. Through her, I had the privilege of meeting Sam. Fun fact about me is that I love traveling and preserving experiences through pictures and videos. I’m looking forward to planning the special day and making it as smooth as possible. I also can’t wait to be present during the wedding day and taking in the love that Joan and Sam have established with one another!!
Lorenzo Gonzalez
Groomsman
Hi all! My name is Lorenzo! I have known Joan since high school and got to meet Sam when they got together! My fav memory was for Joan's debut when it was Sam's turn to give her a rose. Their moment together filled the entire room with love and happiness and was one of the best moments of the day! Fun fact about me is I know 52 digits of Pi. I am so excited to celebrate with everyone!
Caroline Madrona
Bridesmaid
Hi everyone, my name is Caroline Madrona. I am one of Joan’s bridesmaids. I’ve been friends with Joan since our freshman year of high school, and met Sam when he was her date to prom. While I don’t have any specific favorite memory with her, every time I see her my heart is filled by her rays of warmth. Every time I’m with her is special—when we go out together to events, dance, be silly with each other, meet up for meals, and have deep conversations are moments that I cherish, and I’m reminded I’m grateful to be friends with the wonderful person she is. A fun fact about me is I made a playlist that’s 129 hours and 32 minutes long and I’m still adding to it. I’m most looking forward to Joan and Sam having a fun, memory-filled, loved night to start off their new journey together. super excited to meet everyone, be a part of their lovely story, and help give them the best wedding! <3
Daniel Ursolum
Groomsman
Myleen Leseñana
Bridesmaid
Hi everyone!! My name is Myleen Leseñana and I'm so honored to be a part of this momentous occasion for Joan and Sam. Although I remember seeing Joan throughout middle school at dances and games whenever our school’s would play against each other, we officially met freshman year of high school back in 2012 through the Filipino Dinner Dance fundraiser. There, our friendship began to blossom because we were both Filipino (DUH!) and loved to dance! Throughout high school, we got to share so many memories together from dances, dance practices & performances, and random hangouts throughout the years. Although we went our separate ways after high school, our friendship continued. Joan has always been and continues to be one of the most down-to-earth, caring, and supportive people I know. I’m blessed to have her in my life, and I’m absolutely honored to be a part of Her and Sam’s special day. My fave memory with Joan: In high school, Dawn, Joan, and I made a fun little dance group that we liked to call— DJM. We all got the opportunity to dance together in our high school hip hop group, ERA, and decided to make an extra branch for the love of dance and our friendship. We only did a couple performances for shows, birthdays, and promposals, but these practices and performances were core memories for me that I will always cherish. A fun fact about myself is if I’m not either at work or hula, I’m probably chilling at home with my dog, Dumpling.
Nathan Perez
Groomsman
YOOOOOOOOO, My name is Nathan or Nate, no preference. I have known Samouth since the 7th grade. I can’t remember exactly how or when we met now that it’s been THIRTEEN YEARS, but I remember well that it was a legendary time of my life to meet him & the group of guys. This is my first time being a Groomsman, and when he asked me I took a pause to shriek 😱😱 I think the strength I bring to the table is my love for Sam 😎 Whatever you need brother you let me know tell me where to burry the body y’know what I mean? I want to support the wedding however best I can to see you all happy! I’m looking forward to just being there. To seeing you both smile & stand together in the beautiful union you’re committing to. I just want to jump around I’m so happy this is happening AHHHHH!! 🗣️🗣️🔥🚨🚨‼️
Adeline Laurino
Bridesmaid
Hi! I’m Ade & I’m so lucky to have the honor to be a bridesmaid to wed Joan and Sam. I met Joan in college when we were paired as an Ate/Ading duo in our Filipino club. I then got to know Sam when he would visit Joan in SJ. Through each hangout I witnessed their devoted love towards each other. All 3 of us would hangout, go eat, or get boba and they graciously took me around with them. As time went on, I truly considered them my older siblings. I am so grateful to see how they’ve navigated life together since then am so joyful that they’re now being joined together in marriage 🤍 A little about me, I am an avid trinket collector, occasional bowler, and love a good reality show binge. So happy to be here to support the couple on this journey!
John Vang
Groomsman
Hi John here. I’ve known Sam since elementary school and we basically grew up together blowing each other off (with creepers in Minecraft, of course ;)) I still remember walking to his old house by Kennedy after school only to get absolutely obliterated by his no scopes in COD or get comboed from 100 to 0 in Street Fighter, bro had no mercy. And the time when he introduced the group to dubstep and it suddenly became everyone’s entire personality for a while lol My favorite memory is when we did all the dumb challenges at his house, cinamon challenge coughing out cinnamon dust and the salt with ice challenge burning our hands 😀Fun fact about me is I can write with both hands. I'm looking forward to supporting Sam and Joan throughout the whole process and making sure things run smooth on the day of. Its amazing seeing someone you’ve known basically your whole life reach this point, so I’m just here to show up for them in the best way I can. Sam has always been a cheerful person and its been great knowing him. Big congrats to you both.
Bea Dizon
Bridesmaid
Hello, I’m Bea (or B)! I met Joan nearly ten years ago in college, and I was incredibly lucky to be paired with her through our college organization. A little fun fact about me: I grew up in Manila and come from a family of eleven. Joan is such a meaningful part of my college experience, and the day we met (reveal day!) will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though we hadn’t met prior to that day, we connected instantly, and I’ve been grateful ever since. I am beyond excited to celebrate Joan and Sam as they begin this beautiful new chapter together!
Victor Martinez
Groomsman
Hi I’m Victor. I met Sam at the start of 7th grade, he was the cool new kid that absolutely bodied in halo reach. This will be my first time being a groomsman. Thank you for the opportunity in being part of such a special moment in your guys’s life. It’s very exciting! My strengths? Hmm I would say over time I’ve become a very understanding and flexible person. I also love helping out in anyway possible when I can. I’m looking forward to it all!
